Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency is a rare disorder that prevents children from growing normally. It also occasionally affects adults. The condition occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. Although growth hormone deficiency can’t be prevented, it can be treated. The earlier is it detected in children, the more successful treatment will be.

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

Growth hormone deficiency can be present when a child is born, or it may develop later in life. In adults, the condition is often caused by tumors in the pituitary gland.

Sometimes, both in children and adults, doctors are unable to find a cause.

Symptoms and diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency

The most noticeable symptom of growth hormone deficiency in children is a slow growth rate after a child’s third birthday. Children with growth hormone deficiency have normal body proportions, but they will be shorter and/or have baby fat around their bellies. Males may have a very small penis when they are born.

Adults who develop growth hormone deficiency may have too much body fat (usually around the waist), muscle loss, a lack of energy, depression and anxiety, unhealthy cholesterol levels and issues with bone density.

Diagnosing growth hormone deficiency requires blood tests and imaging exams, usually X-rays and a brain MRI.

Treating growth hormone deficiency

Treatment for growth hormone deficiency involves regular injections of synthetic growth hormone. Usually, this treatment lasts for several years. Most children will need growth hormone injections until they reach their adult height, their bones have matured, or their growth has slowed. Some children will need injections throughout their lives.

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible for children with growth hormone deficiency. A lack of treatment can lead to issues including delayed puberty and stunted growth.